Detachable Powered Transfer Board for Safer Ground Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretcher or gurney designs may exacerbate the condition of a sick or injured person during transport due to improper handling and lack of efficient motor integration within the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, hand-held, portable, external controller with a detachable battery powers a drive system for a transport apparatus, featuring a board assembly with adjustable alignment mechanisms and safety devices to ensure safe and controlled movement of a person from a horizontal orientation on the ground to the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the motor is enclosed within the apparatus itself, then the structure is more integrated, but the apparatus becomes heavier and less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into two separate units: a handheld portable controller and a main apparatus. The portable controller contains the motor and battery, allowing it to be separated from the main apparatus. This segmentation enables the motor to be enclosed within the portable controller for integration, while the main apparatus remains lighter and more portable.
2Weight of moving object
If the apparatus is made lighter and more portable, then ease of operation improves, but the drive system may become less powerful
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into a lightweight main apparatus and a separate portable controller. The portable controller contains the motor and battery, allowing the main apparatus to be lightweight while the controller provides the necessary power. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the weight considerations from the power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single integrated unit to a distributed system where the portable controller can be positioned separately from the main apparatus. This dimensional separation allows the apparatus to be lightweight while the controller provides the necessary drive power, as the power source is no longer constrained by the apparatus's weight limitations.
3Ease of operation
If the controller is made detachable with external battery, then portability and ease of operation improve, but the connection and disconnection procedures become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into a handheld portable unit and a main apparatus connection interface. The portable controller contains the battery and motor, allowing it to be detached and reattached as needed. This segmentation enables easy portability while the connection interface is simplified for quick attachment and detachment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a safe, efficient, and controlled transport mechanism that reduces the risk of exacerbating the condition of the person, with a weight under 100 pounds and a detachable controller under 12 pounds, ensuring easy maneuverability and operation.
Implementation Method 1
using a light-weight, hand-held, portable, external, detachable controller including an external, removable battery
Implementation Method 2
The board assembly has a housing supporting a drive belt assembly comprising a drive system for rotating at least one endless belt
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for transporting a person from a position on the ground onto the apparatus generally in a horizontal orientation. The apparatus comprises a board assembly upon which the person is positioned lengthwise in a horizontal orientation. The board assembly includes a belt housing for at least one endless belt, and a battery powered drive system for rotating the belt. A hand-held, portable, external, detachable controller has a motor coupling that enables the battery powered drive system to be detachably connected to a battery within the controller. A coupling connector manually connected and disconnected to the drive system enables the coupling connector to engage and operate the drive system.